Shearon Harris Siren Testing

Note: All information provided by Duke Energy. Please check their website for more detailed information about the Shearon Harris Nuclear Plant.

2018 Siren Test Dates

Low-volume tests (5-30 seconds)

January 10

April 11

July 11

October 10

Full-volume test (3 minutes)

November 14

Full-volume siren tests are scheduled to occur on Wednesday mornings to minimize inconvenience for plant neighbors. The tests, which last up to three minutes, are conducted to make sure each siren works properly.

To alert people outdoors, county officials will sound sirens located within the 10-mile area Emergency Planning Zones (EPZ) around the station. Sirens will sound repeatedly in an emergency. If you hear a loud, steady sound coming from one of the sirens around the nuclear station, tune to a local radio or TV station. These stations will carry an emergency alert information (EAS) message from local officials to give you information and instructions on what to do. Hearing a siren does not mean you should evacuate. It simply means to tune to a local radio or television station for information.

To alert people indoors, radio and television stations will carry emergency information messages from local officials. Follow their instructions. Stay tuned. Remember, outdoor sirens will not necessarily be heard inside homes or businesses.

In an emergency, fire, police and rescue units may also patrol the affected area and sound their sirens, if necessary. Boaters also would be alerted via sirens, loudspeakers, etc. Please note: Sirens are tested regularly to ensure they are working correctly. The testing is part of normal maintenance and no public action is necessary.